Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says he never had a problem with Carlos Tevez at West Ham United.
Pardew will come face to face with Tevez - who withdrew his shock transfer request ahead of last night's home loss to Everton - on Boxing Day as Manchester City attempt to inflict the Londoner's first defeat at boss when they visit St James' Park.
Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "Tevez has always been his own man. The lads really liked him at West Ham.
"He was good to get on with."
And Pardew went on to say he found him the consummate professional during their time together in the East End with the Hammers.
The former Charlton boss said: "The coaching staff really liked him too, so I find it slightly difficult to understand - but there was obviously an issue there."
